Lal sah (Assamese red tea)
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
Strong Assam tea brewed without milk, often with a little sugar, served throughout the day in Assamese homes.
Region: AssamOccasion: Morning, afternoon and for every guestTime: 5 minServes: 2Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 tsp Assam CTC or orthodox tea leaves
- 2 cups water
- Sugar to taste (optional)
- A slice of lemon or a little ginger (optional)
Method
- Bring the water to a rolling boil.
- Add the tea leaves and turn off the heat.
- Cover and let it steep for 2–3 minutes, until a deep red colour.
- Strain into cups, add sugar if you like, and serve with pitha or biscuits.
History
The tea plant grew wild in upper Assam, where the Singpho people drank it long before the British began commercial tea planting in the 19th century.
Significance
Offering lal sah is the first gesture of welcome in an Assamese home, and tea is the lifeblood of a large part of the State’s economy.